Uganda Martyrs University

Uganda Martyrs University acknowledges the late Archbishop Kiwanuka as the Father of Catholic higher education in Uganda. When he first conceived the idea in the 1940’s, circumstances did not allow establishing a University at that time. However this proposal was renewed during the 1980’s, and was endorsed by the Uganda Episcopal Conference in 1989. The University was officially launched in 1993 by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda. It received its civil Charter on 25th April, 2005.

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) is a faith-based private University owned by the Episcopal Conference of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda. UMU started with two faculties, 84 students and 7 staff members. UMU now has a total enrolment of 4697 students following different programmes which include full time, part time and distance learning programmes and 242 staff members. UMU’S campus Main Campus is located in Mpigi district, Mawokota County, Nkozi Sub County, about 82kms away and 3kms off the Kampala-Masaka highway. It is situated along the Equator with an environmentally friendly Campus; ideal for study, learning and reflection and a beautiful view of Lake Victoria.

Vision and Mission

UMU’s Vision is to be a student-centred, comprehensive and research intensive University that is uniquely Ugandan in character. A University that is imbued with Christian values, an institution that is of national and international acclaim, and an institution that is responsive to the needs of the Church and the people of Uganda. The Mission of the University is to provide quality higher education, training and research for the betterment of society, and guided by ethical values.

The University Objectives

Inspired by the principle that our Commitment is to provide education with a Difference, Uganda Martyrs University aims at:

Providing high quality education that will prepare students for their future fields of occupation.

Cultivating and promoting our disciplines and specialisations within the context of the knowledge of Christian principles by continually revising our academic and outreach programmes.

Facilitating the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and research for the betterment of life in Uganda in particular and for all mankind in general, in a way which will contribute to the economy of the country and to the preservation of our cultural heritage and environment.

Promoting service outreach to the community, especially the vulnerable, poor, and marginalised.

Creating an academic community characterised by the non-negotiable values of solidarity, justice, and respect of the other.

Facilities

The learning, study and research activities at UMU are aided by a well stocked library with over 20,000 books and periodicals, hundreds of CD-ROMS with electronic journals and publications. A research directorate and a museum which promotes African values and traditions; networked computers and a wireless system with fast internet links enables the students to participate in the use of modern technologies for learning. These links are under the supervision of a well established ICT department which is also responsible for all communication within UMU, and between UMU and the outside world.

Uganda Martyrs University has commendable dining facilities, sporting grounds and a shopping centre. Accommodation for students is either in single, or double spacious rooms with ample light. Students have access to DSTV connection, a recreation lounge and gardens for relaxation. Healthcare is provided at the university infirmary; which is also a counselling centre for students who need assistance and guidance about daily life challenges which might hamper their steady progress in academics, as well as socially); and at the nearby Nkozi Hospital. UMU has also made arrangements with M/S African Air Rescue (AAR) health services to provide medicare to students at a reasonable rate of 60,000/- per semester. AAR services include unlimited outpatient and hospitalisation. For part-time or distance learning students, a guest house with reasonable fees is available.

The Student Guild is the link between the students and the University Administration; it is headed by a union president who is democratically elected by the students in accordance with the students’ constitution. Student activities include; UMU day, Cultural festival, sports day and open day among others.

Applications

Undergraduate entry requirements

Applicants must hold a Secondary School Certificate and the appropriate A-level certificate.

For all undergraduate degrees, candidates having an O-level certificate and having attained the age of 25 years can become eligible by passing the Uganda Martyrs University Mature Age Entry Examination, which is to be held every year in May. Visit the individual academic department’s pages to find out specific details of their course entry requirements.

A minimum of Two (2) principal passes in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting, or its equivalent. For the full-time undergraduate degrees, Diploma holders may also apply. For all those applying for distance learning, relevant Certificates and Diplomas are required and working experience will be an added advantage.

Postgraduate entry requirements

The enrolment for post-graduate degree courses is open to first degree holders.

Applicants must have; at least a Second Class Honors Degree from a recognized University in a relevant field or in exceptional circumstances, professional qualifications will be required. Candidates are required to pass the UMU Graduate Admission Test (GAT) and have at least two years of working experience in the relevant field.

The University offers PhDs by Research in different disciplines

How to Apply

Application forms can be obtained either from the Registrar’s office in Nkozi, or the UMU Kampala Office located at the Uganda Catholic Social Training Center-Rubaga. Application forms can also be downloaded from our website (http://www.umu.ac.ug).

Application forms may also be obtained by writing to the Registrar or the International Relations Officer. Please enclose a self addressed envelope so that the forms can be mailed back to you. Note that an application fee must be submitted along with the completed application forms for your application to be processed.

The completed forms, together with certified copies of result slips and any academic records, must reach the Registrar before 30th May of the year in which admission is sought. International Students can pay application fees through International Money Order.

Case Study

Name: David N. Tshimba

Age: 22

Country of origin: DR Congo

Programme: BA in Ethics and Development Studies

Encountering UMU: A home away from home

Wherever we live and whatever we do, it has been made clear to me that change is the only constant. Today, I am enrolled in a post-graduate programme at Uganda Martyrs University, pursuing a Master of Arts’ Degree in Sustainable Peace and Conflict Management in the Department of Good Governance and Peace Studies currently housed in the East African School of Diplomacy, Governance and International Studies. This is not what I imagined four years ago when I joined UMU as a full-time undergraduate student of Ethics and Development Studies.

No doubt that the academic arena is about reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Regardless of the place and time of instruction, these four fundamental skills are expected of any student. UMU has however made it known to me that it is one thing to acquire these paramount skills for academic growth and another to use them both effectively and critically. To think about and engage with what I read, listen to, write about or speak has undeniably made me a different animal altogether, a “thought-sieve” rather than a “thought-sink” throughout my stay here at UMU—a home away from home indeed!

Four years ago, Judith my 11year old younger sister asked me if it is possible for one to have a grasp of any scholastic ingredient, whether in sciences or arts, using another medium of communication other than the French language. We all have to excuse Judith’s Francophone acculturation. My sublime encounter with UMU has not only helped me understand how such unfortunate acculturations come about; but it has also enabled me de-construct any such inbox thinking.

My conclusion is - it does not matter whether one studies relativity theory with Albert Einstein, economics with Adam Smith or peace studies with Johan Gultan; it remains one thing to learn and another to make the best out of one’s education. And if UMU can humbly ascertain this and work towards materializing such aspirations, then this institution is indeed making a significant difference in educating the head, the heart, and the hands.

For having joined UMU--a home away from home, I have certainly got a serious appointment with history. What a rendez-vous!

Virtute et Sapientia Duc Mundum (By virtue and wisdom we lead the world)